What do I need to do cooking & catering legally in France?

Declare your food activity to the DDPP (departmental protection authority) — mandatory when handling animal-origin foods · Food hygiene (HACCP) training and a sanitary control plan (PMS) — required in practice for prepared meals · Micro-entrepreneur or company registration + permit allowing independent activity

high demand in France

Cooking & small-scale catering in 🇫🇷 France

Nigerian food is having a global moment — jollof, suya and small chops sell out at diaspora events. But food is the most regulated skill on this list.

⚠️ Before anything else — France: Most French work visas ('salarié') do NOT allow self-employment — gig platforms and side businesses require a residence permit authorising independent activity (entrepreneur/profession libérale or Talent permit). Any self-employed activity needs a free micro-entrepreneur registration at autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr. Household jobs (cleaning, babysitting, tutoring) can instead be declared by the family via CESU — you're employed, not self-employed, which works on more permit types.

💰Typical earnings: €300–900 per event · West African catering is in demand for diaspora weddings

⏱️Time to start: 4–8 weeks

✅To do it legally:

Declare your food activity to the DDPP (departmental protection authority) — mandatory when handling animal-origin foods
Food hygiene (HACCP) training and a sanitary control plan (PMS) — required in practice for prepared meals
Micro-entrepreneur or company registration + permit allowing independent activity

⚠️ Watch out: Selling home-cooked meals via social media without DDPP declaration is common and commonly reported — French food inspections take complaints seriously.

Source: Service-Public Entreprendre — vente de plats cuisinés · Last verified 2026-07-02

This is a backup income stream — what's your main migration plan?

Knowing you can earn with cooking & catering in France is one piece. The bigger question is whether France is genuinely your best-fit destination — and which visa route matches your profile. Take the free 3-minute readiness check to find out.

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This page provides general guidance only, not legal, immigration or financial advice. Rules change and vary by state, province and city — always verify against the linked official source before acting, and confirm your visa or residence permit allows the type of work described. For advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer.

Cooking & small-scale catering in 🇫🇷 France

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This is a backup income stream — what's your main migration plan?